Description of the project:

This paper examines the contribution of rain-water harvesting (RWH) technologies to rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe and consequently to the sustainability of agriculture and rural livelihoods thereof. Benefits and major constraints of RWH technologies are explored and dscussed. It was concluded that RWH technologies are suitable for smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas if they are properly tailored to the conditions of the locality where they are promoted.

This paper presents results from case studies in Tanzania where farmers are using rainwater harvesting (RWH) technology to produce maize, paddy and vegetables in semi-arid areas where it would otherwise be impossible or very difficult. The economics of these practices is analyzed in two contrasting districts over a period of five years.

This platform is geared to a wide range of stakeholders in developed and developing countries who are involved in technology transfer and the wider context of low emission and low vulnerability development. It offers detailed information on a broad set of mitigation and adaptation technologies. This specific link provides access to a database of climate change technologies, along with detailed descriptions, which can be used in the water sector to mitigate/adapt to the impacts of climate change.

In recent years, farmers have been affected by increased climatic variability, reflected in periods of excessive precipitation and flooding and more intensive and frequent drought. Uruguay has long been considered on the forefront of natural resource management and conservation,  particularly soils.

The study points out that current poor performance in terms of water-use efficiency, plus competition over diminishing water resources, suggests the need for investment in better water management systems. Also, where access to irrigation is limited, smallholder farmers need to develop water conservation and rainwater harvesting systems to maximize on-farm water management.